Fire Association Seeks $850K For Fire Station Housing Units

HARWICH – Members of the Harwich Fire Association (HFA) were before the community preservation committee on Thursday seeking $850,000 to create three workforce housing units on the second floor of the former fire station at 203 Bank St.

The project fits the local comprehensive plan by creating workforce housing to meet the 10 percent affordable housing goal, according to the application. The affordable housing percentage is now at 4.98 percent. Tenants will earn less than 80 percent HUD (Housing and Urban Develop) median income.

“This benefits the citizens of Harwich by allowing services the ability to pick the best candidates to work in the community,” the application reads. “It adds some reassurance that there will be some housing available. It will help eliminate commuting workforce, easing traffic and congestion.” The funds would be used to construct two one-bedroom, and one two bedroom affordable housing units on the second floor of the historic former station. Additional room would include an office for the association.

“How confident are you in these numbers?” community preservation committee member John Ketchum asked regarding the $850,000 request.

HFA member Joseph Rego said the association does not have to go through the state bidding process when hiring contractors, because the project is private, not a town project. He said the plan is to use local contractors, and many of the estimates were obtained from them. Local tradespeople are excited about the project, and many have donated labor and materials, he said.

“The local firefighters are jacks of all trades,” Rego said of additional contributions anticipated by the association.

HFA President Bruce Young said the numbers were not pulled out of the air but came from local plumbers, electricians and builders. Committee member Kathy Green questioned the cost estimates for appliances for the apartments. Rego agreed they seemed high, and said they would be making adjustments.

Committee member Emily Brutti wanted to know if restrictions could be applied to these units providing rental access for locals.

“We wish,” said Rego.

The project description indicates a preference for local police, fire, teachers, nurses or other workforce community members. Rego said who gets the apartments will depend on who applies. There could be funding restrictions that could open access to people across the Cape, he added.

The association will have to follow the Fair Housing Act, and state statutes relating to affordable housing, he said. The association will have to hire a management company to determine which applicants are qualified, Rego said.

Committee member Mary Maslowski said what the association would be buying through access to the CPA funds is a permanent restriction on the property capping the median income to be eligible for these units at 80 percent in Barnstable County. She questioned whether that income percentage could be classified as “workforce” housing.

The community preservation committee last year recommended and town meeting approved $350,000 for the HFA acquisition, preservation and rehabilitation of the former firehouse. Green said the committee was told last year that the association would not be back for additional funds. Green said her committee was told HFA is a fund-raising organization.

Rego said all the money raised by the association is through donations and fundraising events. The association has events planned over the next several months, including Photos with Santa and a cocktail event in conjunction with the Harwich Conservation Trust, which is a partner with the association in making improvements to this property. A road race is also being considered, said Rego.

Young said they raised $108,000 to assist with the purchase of the fire station property. The HFA is working with grantwriters on a couple of potential grants, Rego said, and has also approached the affordable housing trust for funding for the three affordable housing units. The amount requested will be adjusted should funds be made available from other sources, he said.

Green wanted to know how HFA would proceed if they received only a partial amount of the funding sought. Rego said he would have to go back to the HFA membership to discuss whether they should go for a loan or put the project on hold. He said he has no direction from the association at this point.

Maslowski said the planned use of the fire station for the museum and housing could not open unless the parking lot, which would also be used by the Harwich Conservation Trust, has been completed.

Young said they would finish the parking lot first so HCT could provide access to the Cold Brook preserve. Young added that the town and the trust have invested a lot of money in the project.

“We’re going to have some issues,” CPC Chair David Nixon said.

“That’s why we’re looking for other sources of money,” responded Rego.

The CPC took no action on the HFA application request.